According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Los Angeles Lakers don’t want to trade Austin Reaves.
The Lakers are interested in acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks, but they don’t want to part ways with Reaves to get Murray.
“Los Angeles has continued to tell teams it doesn’t want to part with Austin Reaves, sources said,” Fischer wrote. “There does seem to be a pathway for a Murray-to-Los Angeles deal if the Lakers would be willing to include Reaves, sources said, although that would require the Hawks to send back more value for Los Angeles’ liking.”
Reaves is averaging 15.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.1 blocks this season while shooting 47.8% from the field, 33.7% from beyond the arc and 87.5% from the free-throw line. The guard is third on the Lakers in points per game.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The 25-year-old Reaves signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Lakers in July during restricted free agency. He’s making $12 million this season.
Murray, who is expected to be traded by the Hawks this season, has the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group) as Lakers superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers’ front office has leaked that they want a two-way player at the deadline and Murray is one of the best two-way stars in the NBA.
However, since Reaves has developed a great rapport with LeBron and Davis, the Lakers have made it a point to keep him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Reaves has career averages of 11.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Lakers. He was recently reinserted back into the starting lineup by head coach Darvin Ham.
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